ST ALBANS COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

St Albans Community Preschool is a positive and nurturing environment. We encourage children to learn and grow by recognising and supporting each child’s individuality, curiosity, cooperation, independence, and creativity. The children’s exploration is guided and supported by qualified, experienced teachers whose curriculum engages family and whanau.

We are responsive to the strengths, interests and learning needs of each child. We document the children’s work and experiences to inspire the sharing of information among teachers, family members, and peers. We seek open communication with parents and whanau in order to match families’ aspirations for the children with our learning programmes. We acknowledge the unique place of Maori as tangata whenua and the partnership inherent in Te Tiriti O Waitangi and see to provide equitable learning opportunities for all.

OUR VISION

To ensure that children have a childhood full of play adventure and investigation and to create a learning environment that is a reflection of our commitment to continually building reciprocal relationships within our community.

OUR CORE VALUES

RESPECT

Respect and nurture self and each other’s needs and individual differences and recognise the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. (We acknowledge the unique place of Maori as Tangata Whenua and the partnership inherent in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and see to provide equitable learning opportunities for all).

INDIVIDUAL WELLBEING

Provide an environment that encourages every individual to be physically, emotionally and spiritually safe and secure. (We acknowledge the importance of relationships and aim to help children build foundations to become learners, thinkers, doers and successful members of their communities).

HAVE FUN

Place an emphasis on having fun and learning through play using Te Whāriki as a source of inspiration. (Each Child’s exploration is guided, supported and challenged by qualified and experienced teachers who implement a curriculum that engages the children and families in our care, hands-on experience with open-ended materials, and relations at the forefront of our practice).

SENSE OF FAMILY

Provide an inclusive environment that embraces a sense of family which is welcoming, positive and supportive.

INNOVATION

Place an emphasis on continuous improvement by being innovative and dynamic. (Each Child’s exploration is guided, supported and challenged by qualified and experienced teachers who implement a curriculum that engages the children and families in our care, hands-on experience with open-ended materials, and relations at the forefront of our practice).

WORKING TOGETHER

Focus on teamwork which involves parents/caregivers and whānau|families. (We encourage parent|whānau participation in the decision-making concerning their child).

COMMUNICATION

Have open and honest communication. (Documentation of the children’s work and experiences at Preschool inspire the sharing of information and ideas among teachers, family members, children and peers).

VALUING OUR STAFF

Invest in our staff through professional development and support. (Staff and Board provide a positive nurturing environment which supports the holistic way children learn and grow).

OUR COMMUNITY

Provide many and varied experiences utilising the people and services within our local community.

ENVIRONMENT AS A THIRD TEACHER

Use and/or create an environment where learning opportunities are inspiring, varied, challenging and emergent.